'Small number’ of positive covid cases identified in Holyrood parliament building with precautionary measures now in place

The Scottish Parliament has taken precautionary measures after a ‘small number’ of positive cases of coronavirus virus have been identified among parliament passholders in recent days.

The cases are localised to those working in the upper basement of the Holyrood parliament building (Photo: Scottish Parliament).

The cases are localised to those working in the upper basement of the building and Parliament has commented that precautionary measures have been put in place in this area.

Parliament has said they have also undertaken a deep clean of a number of areas of the building and that the situation is being ‘very closely monitored.’

NHS Lothians has not given a specific number of cases identified to protect patient confidentiality, however, have said a “small number” have been identified.

NHS Lothian’s Health Protection Team are working alongside Parliament to identify close contact and to isolate those potentially exposed to the virus.

The isolated staff will only return to work after completing their 10-day isolation period.

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said:“The Parliament immediately alerted NHS Lothian’s Health Protection Team.

"We are taking a highly proactive and precautionary approach to protect all who work at Holyrood.”

“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality, no further details will be released.”

As a further precautionary measure, other colleagues who could potentially have been in contact with these individuals have been advised to remain off campus and to take a test to prevent further transmission.

In a statement to staff, Parliament commented that the chances that members of parliament and other parliamentary staff would have been in contact with an affected individual is “very low and very unlikely” that they may have acquired infection from them.

Parliamentary business will go ahead as scheduled with matters being kept under close review.

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